In some cases, a do-it-yourself move may be your best moving option, especially if you are on a tight move budget. Renting a Truck and handling your own packing can yield substantial savings over a full service moving company. The major difference is that you will be responsible for doing all the work and you will have to rent a moving van, truck or trailer to transport your items.
Here are some important questions to consider when planning your do-it-yourself move.
How Much Stuff do you Need to Move?
As recommended to anybody who is moving, you should start out with a complete and detailed inventory of what you need to move. Try to dispose of any unwanted items and ensure that you are only moving (and paying for) those things that you really want in your new home. If you can create an inventory with the major items that you will be moving (e.g. furniture, appliances, etc.) and an estimate of the number of boxes by type (small, medium, large), your truck rental provider can help you determine the truck size that best suits your move.
What Size Truck do I need to Rent?
While nobody wants to pay for more space than they are actually going to use, you are more likely to benefit from being somewhat conservative in your choice of truck size. Extra space will obviously be beneficial over lack of space. Making an extra trip for a local move can add a lot of extra expense and hassle to your move. For a long distance move, it will create even more havoc for you. As a guide, each room that you pack will need between 125 and 150 cubic feet. To convert cubic feet to actual truck size, here are some general guidelines:
- 10 ft truck - 1 bedroom small apartment- approximately 350 cubic feet
- 15 ft truck - 2 bedroom house or apartment- approximately 750 cubic feet
- 20 ft truck - 3-4 bedroom house- approximately 1,250 cubic feet
- 25 ft truck - large 5-8 bedroom house- approximately 1,550 cubic feet
When Do You Need to Rent your Truck?
Moving companies tend to experience a rush of moves in the summer months and often, so do truck rental companies. We recommend that, whenever possible, try to book your rental truck well in advance. The peak rental season begins towards the end of May and will usually run through the end of September. If you plan to move during this busy period, try to reserve your rental as soon as you have fixed your moving date. Prices are likely to rise during the peak season, as there is an increase in rental demand. Because the majority of people move at the beginning of the month (often corresponding to new leases), this is the most popular time for people to rent trucks. The end of each month is also busier than during the middle of the month. If you are flexible with timing, you may be able to save some additional money on your truck rental. You will also find that the local self storage facilities will be less busy during the middle of the month.
Where do you Need to Move - Local or One Way?
If you are moving within your current city, nearly all truck rental agencies will be able to accommodate your needs. However, if you are moving to another city or state or even across the country, you will likely be doing a one way trip. The large rental agencies such as Budget Truck and Penske are set up to accommodate these one way moves. They have many locations across most major cities and this infrastructure is ideal to support your one way move. You can visit their websites or call for availability and pricing.
What Other Supplies Do I Need?
Most truck rental agencies can provide you with pads and dollies. Pads are relatively inexpensive and are a useful in protecting furniture, appliances and any other items that have the potential to be damaged during your move. Dollies are essential for moving heavier items and can usually be rented for $7 - $15 per dolly.
We recommend that you purchase your moving boxes and packing supplies separately. Purchasing your boxes online is a great way to save substantial amounts over purchasing from a truck rental or box store and you can have guaranteed delivery of your products. There are very useful box calculators and preassembled moving kits that can make purchasing your packing supplies simple and convenient.
Do I Need Extra Insurance?
Rental agencies will offer you additional insurance which can cost $20.00 - $35.00 additional for each day that you rent the truck. Before accepting this option, check with your personal credit card company to find out if they have coverage that will protect you when renting a truck. Sometimes credit card companies exclude their insurance coverage on moving vans and moving trucks. If you choose to go with your credit card insurance or select the rental truck insurance options ask the following questions:
- What is the deductible?
- Are you protected in case of collision?
- Are you covered in other cities or states?
- What would happen in the case of theft of your items from the truck?
- Are your own personal items covered inside the truck in case of an accident?
As with full service moving, insurance is an important aspect to consider and you must ensure that you are fully aware of how your coverage is going to work, well before you set out on your move
